What to See & Do in Berlin, Germany

BG: What hotels are honeymoon worthy?
CS: I recommend the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin (room rates start at $300 a night), one of the most famous hotels in Berlin. It has charming interiors, a relaxing spa and Michelin-star restaurant. It’s located right next to Brandenburg Gate and the Tiergarten and just a couple of minutes away from historic sites such as the Reichstag, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and Museum Island.

Photos courtesy of Hotel Adlon Kempinski

CS: For something modern and trendier, the 25Hours Hotel Bikini Berlin (room rates start at $157 a night) in City West has glass-walled rooms with colorful hammocks, plus the hopping Monkey Bar, which overlooks the Berlin Zoo.

Photo Credits: Stephan Lemke for 25Hours Hotels

BG: What are your favorite places to eat — and what must visitors try?
CS: You’ll find so many great options here and cuisines from all over the world. Masaniello is owned by a Neapolitan family and has some of the best pizza in Berlin (and a lovely beer garden in the summer), and Princess Cheesecake serves delicious sweets in the heart of Mitte. Every Sunday in the spring and summer, you’ll find groups of Thai families sitting under colorful umbrellas cooking and selling delicious curries and Thai specialties at the Thai Wiese in Preussenpark in Charlottenburg. And head to Street Food Thursday at Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg, where delectable tastes and goodies from around the world are served in a fun setting.

Photo Credit: ©VisitBerlin, Markthalle 9 Vlad Trifa

BG: Any other insider tips for enjoying the city?
CS: Always buy museum tickets in advance and reserve a time slot, so you can skip the lines and just enjoy the art — that’s how locals do it. If you want to party like a Berliner, remember that nightlife here starts very late (so have a late dinner, then hit the bars and clubs afterwards), and that the city is so laid back, you don’t ever need to dress up.